We have been called to serve as Public Affairs missionaries in the Pacific Area for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We will be located in Takapuna, (a suburb of Auckland), New Zealand for 18 months. We are looking forward to serving in an area of the world where we have never been, meeting and making new friends and enjoying the islands of the South Pacific. We hope you will join us on our journey as we post some of our experiences.
SM: Wominjeka means welcome in the
language of the aboriginal Wurundjeri people of the Melbourne area. They were the first people to live there.
On May 21st we were off to Melbourne to meet up with the Australia public affairs team for a seminar. We arrived midday and the seminar didn't start til the next morning so we went to the Healesville Sanctuary outside of town.
We loved seeing koalas, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, platypus, Tasmanian devils, etc. Wallabies might just be my favorite! (No photo - my phone ran out of power at just the wrong time - as usual.)
Didn't see a lot of movement from the koalas that were snuggly (?) nestled into tree limbs.
I had never seen nor heard of an echidna. Pretty cute little thing!
We NEVER seem to have an umbrella when we need one!
Kangaroos hop on their toes, not their huge feet. Something I'd never observed before.
Public Affairs Seminar began Tues. May 22. Jim set the tone of the Australia event by wearing his new kangaroo socks made from bamboo - they just make me smile! He's such a larrikin!
This is one amazing group and they are wonderful friends that continually inspire us! Our co-workers in New Zealand, Elder and Sister Pinson, were unable to join us for the seminar. Janet was really not feeling well and they decided they couldn't make the trip. As it turned out, that was an excellent decision. She got worse and ended up in the hospital. It was later determined that she had Dengue fever. Apparently she acquired it in New Caledonia.
The Melbourne Temple is a beautiful, small temple just like the one in Shirley's native Columbia, South Carolina. We really enjoyed being able to attend and being with our Public Affairs friends was an extra bonus.
This sums it up perfectly!
You don't need to look closely to see that Pinsons are photoshopped in. They weren't able to join us because Janet caught Dengue Fever while in New Caledonia. Sure missed them!
For a little diversion the team went in to town and rode on the Melbourne Star (similar to the London Eye). Loved the view, just not the height!
Melbourne Star
Flinders Station - huge train station in the heart of downtown and right across the street from our hotel. We were told that Flinders Station is the busiest train station in the world! Really enjoyed downtown Melbourne and our hotel was right in the heart of the CBD (Central Business District.)
You've heard of the Kookaburra in the Old Gum Tree. Well, this is a "Gum Tree". Trunk and branches are very light in color.
Sorry for that Kangaroo whose hide was for sale at the Victoria Market!
Jim and Rob Lloyd in line at "American Doughnut Kitchen" at the market. It has been in business for almost 70 years, selling jelly-filled doughnuts.
It was fun to wander through the maze of gothic laneways with lots of unique and quirky venues for food, fashion and art. It is claimed that you can unlock the city's real secrets in
these distinctive
streets. These laneways are right in the middle of town and we had a great time, with map in hand, exploring these hidden backstreets. So charming.
The Laneways are a pedestrian walk - filled with quirky little shops and restaurants
One of the arcades located along the laneways.
So colorful and enticing. I can't believe we just kept walking!
Federation Square is home to major cultural attractions, world-class events, tourism
experiences and an exceptional array of restaurants, bars and specialty
stores. Enjoyed walking through this modern piazza known as the city's meeting place.
Federation Square
Guwayu - See you again, Melbourne!
Our ward conference was held the last Sunday in May. A feast was held afterwards. Lots of food was brought - some I'd never tried before. The cultural hall is quite small but that didn't seem to interfere with everyone meeting together. Sure love this multicultural ward we are in that is made up of mostly Tongans and Samoans and some Maori.
May 30th was our anniversary. It was also the day we both had scheduled dental appointments - unbeknownst to each other. I guess we'll follow each other just about anywhere! JM - Although we are so different in a few ways, over the 44 years of our marriage we have grown to be very much alike. I love this woman and am grateful we can share our lives together.
When one or more couples is finishing their mission we all get together for a sendoff. The Hales and the Harveys will be leaving us. Oh, how they will be missed! Both couples were here when we arrived and we have shared much in the last 16 months. But we are happy to welcome the Saunders. Elder Saunders is the Area Medical Advisor. His wife, Kristy, assists him in a myriad of ways. We will forever remember and be grateful for the incredible friends we have made in NZ.
JM: Elder Steve and Sister Christine Streeter (couple on the right) were about to go home to Bountiful. We didn't want them to leave without having them over for dinner to tell them how much we enjoyed serving with them in the Area office. They have inspired us all.
Elder and Sister Henshaw joined us for dinner as well. They are another amazing senior missionary couple. This work can't possibly fail with such wonderful people helping to move it forward!
Elder Streeter has to be the best "selfie"-taker in the Pacific Area office! He also has the world's fastest "post" finger! The below photo was posted long before our plates were loaded with food.
One of the greatest blessings of a mission is meeting the other senior couples with whom you serve. We have been greatly blessed that way.
Eight people from the Pacific Area were chosen to participate in a three week-long Leadership Development Program. Each department in the Area office was asked to provide some training to the group. We were asked to provide training on leadership and communication. I gave a presentation on communication. I hope it was well received. It was a good sign that there was excellent participation.
Once a month we have a senior missionary couples outing to the temple. Because it's a two hour drive from Auckland, many of us drive up the evening before and go to dinner in Hamilton. While there we had time to visit the Hamilton Gardens, one of our favorite places in Hamilton.
Hamilton Gardens
"Magnolia Walk" at the Hamilton Gardens
Enjoyed a great steak at the Bluestone with the awesome gang
SM: A chocolate break was in order for the Area Public Affairs team last week. After picking up Elder Odgers at the airport, we drove him to Auckland for a conference and then met with Rob Dudfield for a short meeting. As we were leaving downtown we took a wrong turn and headed back into town. The perfect excuse to go have an Italian Denso (hot chocolate) at the "Chocolate Boutique." We are going to miss that delectable indulgence!
Rich Hunter (Pacific Area Public Affairs Director), Jim, and Elder & Sister Pinson
We are still enjoying walks on the beach though the weather is turning a little cooler. We went on a late afternoon walk while the tide was out and ran across our first starfish on our own Takapuna
Beach. Also found a few sand dollars. We hope to continue these walks as the weather changes and will just have to bundle up a little.
SM: Had a lovely Mother's Day. Talked with each of our sons and was once again reminded of the joy and privilege it has been to be their mother. I am continually inspired by them and their devotion to their family and to living the gospel. Feeling very blessed! Our ward primary (photo below) sang "Mother, I Love You" and I was touched as I was reminded again of my wonderful mother whom I lost far too early in life. She is the one I continually strive to be like.
In Relief Society our teacher, Leah Couch, explained the meaning of "Whaea" (mother). In Maori, Whaea is prounounced "Fire" and means mother. Whaea also means being a mother to your siblings' children. I love this. It takes a village to raise children. My sisters and sisters-in-law are a big part of my village and I'm so grateful for their "mothering" of my children and for their continued love for them. I love their children and find joy in seeing them as they embrace the world and continue to be the wonderful individuals they are. The same goes for Nannie (or grandmother). In the Maori language it means they are also nannies for their siblings' grandchildren. A beautiful concept.
Our primary sang "Mother, I Love You" in Sacrament Meeting
JM: I love and honor the Mother of our children. I am the first to admit that her role in life was much harder and took much more skill and effort than did mine. Our children and grandchildren are much more a reflection of her goodness and teaching than they are of mine. I am so grateful for the sons that she brought into our lives and for their wives and children. They mean so very much to us both.
I also am eternally grateful to my own Mother. I wasn't the easiest child to rear, but she did it perfectly! She was always there for me and always supported me.I miss her greatly but know that we will one day be together again. I am so thankful for that knowledge! It gives me comfort each time I think of either Mom or Dad.
The Rowberrys, former Tabernacle Choir members, shared a great missionary couples FHE about their MOTAB experiences.
At Taumeasina Resort in Apia the hotel staff were preparing for the Via Dolorosa, the 13 stations of the cross, in honor of Easter.
Just before we had to leave for the airport the Via Dolorosa procession began. We captured a bit of it on video.
On our way to the airport in Upolu to go to American Samoa we came
across a fellow making a basket. He was kind enough to allow Shirley to
video him while he weaved.
When we arrived in American Samoa Tigi Mata'ali'i picked us up at the
airport and took us to our hotel in Pago Pago. They were very kind and
treated us much better than we deserved. Our Director of Public Affairs,
Kalili Hunt, was out of the country but had made arrangements for us to
be treated royally.
Sala (on left) and Tigi
Jim captured this beautiful scenery early one morning from our hotel room.
On April 1 (Easter) the Apia Samoa Central Stake watched a one-hour portion of the Messiah performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square. The building was almost full to capacity, many of them members of the stake choir. Wonderful to participate in this event.
The stake choir sang along during the Hallelujah Chorus. Samoans love to sing and the volume of this choir evidenced their enthusiasm.
Getting on board to go back to New Zealand. It was very sad to think that this is likely the last time we will see the friends we have made in Samoa and the beauty of the country.
With our friend Jeri Maughan, we visited the Auckland War Museum. Jim had to take a close look at the Spitfire on display there. He said that, next to the P-51 Mustang, the Spitfire was the best plane in the skies during World War II.
It is a long (45 minute) walk to Cathedral Cove, but it is worth it! Certainly one of the most beautiful places we have been in New Zealand.
Hot Water Beach is about a 10 minute drive from Hahei (the town where we stayed while visiting the Coromandel peninsula). It is so amazing to see so many people digging holes to create their own spas. Lots of fun!
One of our favorite beaches (Muriwai). It is on the west coast, so the Tasman Sea is behind us. The waves on the Tasman are much bigger than the waves on the Pacific side of the island. Muriwai is a black sand beach and, with the steep cliffs between the beach and the adjoining land, it is one of the most majestic places we have seen.
A beach artist drew a toe rope around the rock on the beach making it appear that the rock was going to be pulled out to sea. A lot of work that just a few hours later would be gone.
Jim ordered porridge at one of our favorite restaurants, Hunny.
Celebrating Jeri's and Shirley's birthdays, both in April and just nine days apart.
Dinner at the revolving restaurant atop the Sky Tower.
One day we went to the Hamilton New Zealand Temple. Jeri had been there 25 years ago and we all thought it would be a good idea for her to return. On July 22, the temple will close for three years for seismic upgrading and remodeling. We hear that, because the temple is on New Zealand's registry of national places, the exterior will not be modified during the remodeling.
We flew down to Wellington for a day. We went to the Te Papa museum and saw the amazing Gallipoli exhibit about New Zealand's disappointing battle against the Turks in World War I. War is such a horrible thing.
Took the trolley for a scenic view of the city
We took an 11 hour train ride back from Wellington to Auckland. A very unique and relaxing experience. Played games most of the way.
The day Jeri left to return to Utah we took her to a favourite place of ours,the Chocolate Boutique in Parnell, for an Italian Denso hot chocolate. Jim asked for the recipe but was told it was the owner's secret. It seemed a lot like melted dark chocolate. So good and so rich! We'll be back.
Nervous about flying by herself (she's so brave!), Jeri was eager to get on with her journey home. Thanks for coming to see us, Jeri. We loved having you here and will see you again soon.
On Monday, April 16, we were given an assignment to do a story for Newsroom Pacific on the 60th anniversary of the Hamilton Temple Dedication. We spent part of Monday and all day Tuesday deciding how to approach the story and coordinating with the people with whom we needed to meet.
Wednesday we traveled to Hamilton to interview Waitohi Elkington to get some early photos from the Church History archive there. Fourteen months ago who would have thought we could put together a major story like this in just three days? Not us! Watch it here.
